Mohammad Rasoulof
Born 1972 · Age 53
Iranian independent filmmaker, director, screenwriter and producer known for award-winning films critical of the Iranian government; has faced arrests and exile; Golden Bear winner (2020).
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Life & Career Timeline
Born in Shiraz, Iran
Mohammad Rasoulof born in Shiraz, Imperial State of Iran.
Graduated Shiraz University (BA Sociology) (estimated)
Completed bachelor's degree in sociology at Shiraz University (year estimated based on typical timing).
Studied film editing at Soore University (estimated)
Studied film editing at Soore University in Tehran (exact year not specified; estimated late 1990s).
Began filmmaking with documentaries and short films
Started his filmmaking career making documentaries and short films (period prior to first feature).
Released first feature film 'The Twilight' (Gagooman)
First feature-length film, a docu-fiction titled The Twilight (Gagooman), released.
Won Crystal Simorgh for Best First Film (Fajr) for The Twilight
The Twilight awarded Crystal Simorgh for Best First Film at the Fajr International Film Festival.
Iron Island wins multiple festival prizes (2005)
Iron Island receives awards including Filmfest Hamburg Critics' Choice and festival mentions; begins international festival run.
Released 'Iron Island' (Jazire-ye ahani)
Second feature film Iron Island released.
Wins Golden Peacock at International Film Festival of India (Iron Island)
Iron Island awarded the Golden Peacock (IFFI) in 2005.
Avanca and Chlotrudis awards for Iron Island
Iron Island honored at Avanca Film Festival (Feature Film Prize, Best Screenplay) and Chlotrudis (Buried Treasure) in 2007.
Released documentary 'Head Wind' (2008)
Documentary Head Wind (Bad-e Deboor) released.
Won Dubai International Film Festival Special Jury Prize (The White Meadows)
The White Meadows received Special Jury Prize at Dubai International Film Festival.
Released 'The White Meadows' (Keshtzarha-ye sepid)
Feature film The White Meadows released and began festival circuit.
Personal: Married to Rozita Hendijanian (date unspecified)
Public sources list spouse as Rozita Hendijanian and one child (name reported as Baran in some sources); exact marriage date not provided in source texts.
Wrote/produced other projects (e.g., Gesher credit 2010)
Credited on other projects (writer/producer credits such as Gesher in 2010) and later co-wrote/co-produced films (2019 credits).
Sentence reduced to one year (post-2010 arrest)
The six-year sentence was later reduced to one year and he was released on bail (reduction date not precisely specified).
The White Meadows wins Denver Krzysztof Kieslowski Award and Durban Best Feature (2010)
The White Meadows honored at Denver Film Festival (Krzysztof Kieslowski Award) and Durban International Film Festival Best Feature.
Arrested on set (March 2010)
Arrested on location (with Jafar Panahi) accused of filming without a permit; initially sentenced to six years (later reduced).
Won Amiens Golden Unicorn for Career Achievement (2011)
Received a career achievement prize (Golden Unicorn) at Amiens International Film Festival.
Premiered 'Goodbye' at Cannes Un Certain Regard
Goodbye (Be omid-e didar) premiered at Cannes in Un Certain Regard.
Won Un Certain Regard Directing Prize (Goodbye) at Cannes
Awarded the Un Certain Regard – Directing Prize for Goodbye at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.
Goodbye recognized at Durban (Special Jury Mention)
Goodbye received Special Jury Mention at Durban International Film Festival (2012 recognition associated with the film's festival circuit).
Received Telluride Silver Medallion (2013)
Honored with a Silver Medallion at the Telluride Film Festival.
Won FIPRESCI Prize (Manuscripts Don't Burn) at Cannes
Manuscripts Don't Burn won the FIPRESCI Prize in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes 2013.
Premiered 'Manuscripts Don't Burn' at Cannes Un Certain Regard
Manuscripts Don't Burn (Dast-neshteha nemisoozand) premiered at Cannes Un Certain Regard.
Fribourg Special Mention for Manuscripts Don't Burn
Manuscripts Don't Burn received a Special Mention at the Fribourg International Film Festival.
Passport confiscated upon return from Telluride (September 2017)
Iranian authorities confiscated his passport; he became banned from leaving the country (mamnu'-ol-xoruğ).
Released 'A Man of Integrity' (Lerd)
Feature film A Man of Integrity released and entered international festivals.
Won Best Director (SIYAD) for A Man of Integrity (Iran Cinema Celebration)
Awarded Best Director at Iran Cinema Celebration for A Man of Integrity (2017).
Won Golden Apricot / FIPRESCI and other festival prizes for A Man of Integrity
A Man of Integrity received multiple festival honors (e.g., Golden Apricot FIPRESCI Prize, nominations at Film Fest Gent and Chicago).
Won Un Certain Regard top prize (A Man of Integrity) at Cannes
A Man of Integrity won the top prize in Un Certain Regard at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival.
Invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
In June 2017 Rasoulof was invited to become a member of the Academy (AMPAS).
Co-wrote and co-produced 'The Red Hatchback' (2019) and co-produced 'Son-Mother' (2019)
Credited as co-writer and co-producer on The Red Hatchback and co-producer on Son-Mother (2019 festival credits).
Public act of solidarity by Iranian filmmakers (July 2019)
On his way to court in July 2019 Rasoulof was accompanied by prominent Iranian filmmakers in an act of solidarity (Asghar Farhadi, Jafar Panahi, others).
Convicted by Revolutionary Court (July 23, 2019)
Convicted to one year imprisonment and a two-year ban on leaving the country and on political/social activity due to A Man of Integrity; accused of 'gathering and collusion' and 'propaganda against the system'.
Appealed 2019 verdict (August 2019)
Filed an appeal against the conviction; appeared at court accompanied by many prominent Iranian filmmakers in an act of professional solidarity.
There Is No Evil wins multiple international festival awards (2020–2021)
The film won the Berlin Golden Bear (2020) and later prizes including Sydney Film Prize (2021) and various audience awards.
Won Golden Bear at Berlin Film Festival (There Is No Evil)
There Is No Evil awarded the Golden Bear in the main competition at the 70th Berlin International Film Festival (Feb 2020).
Sentenced to one year in prison and two-year film ban (March 4, 2020)
Sentenced for 'propaganda against the system' for three movies; verdict included a two-year ban on making films. He stated he would appeal and not surrender at that time.
Served on official competition jury at Berlin (IMDb trivia; 71st festival)
Listed in sources/IMDb as member of the Official Competition jury at the 71st Berlin International Film Festival (2021).
Released documentary 'Jenayat-e amdi' (2022)
Directed/credited for the documentary Jenayat-e amdi (2022).
Released temporarily for health reasons (Feb 2023)
Temporarily released from prison in February 2023 due to health concerns.
Arrested (July 2022) after criticizing government crackdown
Arrested in July 2022 along with Mostafa Aleahmad after criticizing the government's crackdown on protesters in Abadan following a deadly building collapse.
Pardoned but sentenced to one year in prison and two-year travel ban (2023)
Later pardoned but sentenced to a year in prison and two-year ban on leaving Iran for 'propaganda against the regime' (timing reported in 2023 coverage).
Cast and crew interrogated and banned from leaving Iran (May 2024)
Following Cannes selection, Iranian authorities interrogated and banned cast and crew from leaving and pressured them to convince Rasoulof to withdraw the film.
Won Los Angeles Film Critics Association Best Director (2024)
Recognized by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association (listed among 2024 winners) for The Seed of the Sacred Fig.
The Seed of the Sacred Fig wins Silver Hugo – Best Screenplay (Chicago, 2024)
Awarded Silver Hugo for Best Screenplay at the Chicago International Film Festival (film credited 2024).
San Sebastián Audience Award for Best European Film (2024)
The Seed of the Sacred Fig won the City of Donostia / San Sebastián Audience Award for Best European Film in 2024.
Nominated for Palme d'Or (The Seed of the Sacred Fig) at Cannes (2024)
The film was nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 2024 festival (finalists and awards mentioned).
Became an exile living in Europe (May 2024 onward)
Following escape from Iran, Rasoulof relocated to Europe and lived in exile (Germany reported as destination).
Received media coverage about fleeing Iran (May 13, 2024 onward)
International outlets (Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, The Guardian, Deadline) reported on his sentencing and escape to Europe.
National Board of Review names The Seed of the Sacred Fig Best International Film (2024)
The film received the National Board of Review Best International Film accolade for 2024.
The Seed of the Sacred Fig selected to compete at Cannes (2024)
Film The Seed of the Sacred Fig selected in the main competition at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival; announced in April 2024.
Fled Iran and undertook 28-day escape to Germany (May 2024)
Following sentencing Rasoulof clandestinely left Iran via a 28-day, multi-stage journey across a border, to a safe house and eventually to Germany using a temporary German travel document based on fingerprints.
Sentenced to eight years in prison, flogging, fine and property confiscation (May 8, 2024)
Lawyer announced an eight-year prison sentence, flogging, a fine and confiscation of property following the Cannes selection of his film.
Attended Cannes red carpet for The Seed of the Sacred Fig (May 24, 2024)
Appeared on the Cannes red carpet after escaping Iran; film later received a Special Award at the festival.
The Seed of the Sacred Fig wins multiple prizes at Cannes (May 25, 2024)
The film won several awards at Cannes 2024 including the Special Award (Prix Spécial), the FIPRESCI Prize, Prize of the Ecumenical Jury, François Chalais Prize and Prix des Cinémas Art et Essai.
Served as President of New Currents jury at Busan International Film Festival (Sept 2024)
In 2024 Rasoulof served as the president of the New Currents jury at the 29th Busan International Film Festival.
César Awards and Deutscher Filmpreis recognition for The Seed of the Sacred Fig (2025)
The film received nominations/wins at European award ceremonies (César nominations, Deutscher Filmpreis Silver awards in 2025).
Academy Awards nomination (2025) for The Seed of the Sacred Fig (Best International Feature Film as Germany’s entry)
The Seed of the Sacred Fig was nominated as Germany's entry for Best International Feature Film at the 2025 Academy Awards.
Asian Film Awards Best Screenplay win (2025)
Won Best Screenplay at the Asian Film Awards for The Seed of the Sacred Fig (2025 ceremony).
Named to Time 100 Most Influential People (2025)
Time magazine included Mohammad Rasoulof in its 2025 list of the 100 Most Influential People.
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